be a really good cook

...for some reason my confidence as a wife and mother is directly related to my ability to cook. It’s such an old-fashioned concept! When I can put together a great meal that’s also healthy and fits our budget, I feel like I can handle anything. And I swear a home-cooked meal has magical powers. It brings the family together every day and cheers everyone up. I love it when my kids are excited to ask what we’re having for dinner, and when Tris calls from work to ask what I’m making and offers to go to the store. I taught my kids how to measure ingredients as soon as they could hold a spoon. My 7 year old can already cook an entire dinner with minimal help. (Santa Fe Chicken with Spanish Rice and Refried Beans) My 4 year old makes most of our side dishes, and the baby loves nothing better than to make Daddy follow me around the kitchen watching everything I do. I even own several different aprons! If I had imagined myself in an apron 10 years ago, I would have died laughing. But cooking is probably my favorite thing in the world now. I’m such a dork! :*)